London Archives - Cindy Goes Beyond

February 20, 2022

Non Touristy Things to Do in London

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I love the exciting energy in London, England. It’s a beautiful and fascinating city to explore whether you are visiting for the first time…or tenth. For all the fun places to visit on a first visit, check out this POST.

If you are looking for things more off the beaten path, these non touristy things to do in London are perfect. Enjoy adding one of these places…or all of them…to your next London itinerary.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London

London is a sprawling city containing 32 boroughs and home to more than 9 million people. There is always something going on in the city. When you want to get away from the crowds for a time, these places offer a peek into other beautiful or unique parts of London.

Explore Brick Lane

Brick Lane, in the borough of Tower Hamlets East London, was formerly known as Whitechapel Lane. Its current name comes from the brick and tile manufacturing that began there in the 15th century. The area drew immigrants from various countries over the centuries. Today it is the heart of the city’s Bangladeshi community in addition to offering vibrant street art, galleries, fashion and night clubs.

Enjoy the art, music, trendy shops and social life on Brick Lane. And check out the Backyard Market there. Open only on Saturdays, the market is a bustling place filled with various stalls offering vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, street food and more.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Brick Lane — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – Brick Lane *photo by Robert Bye, Unsplash

View London from One New Change Rooftop

Want to appreciate gorgeous views of London, without paying a hefty fee to do so? Check out One New Change, a dining and shopping spot with a free rooftop deck.

Take the elevator to the top to enjoy those amazing views and the London skyline while capturing unforgettable photos.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London One New Change — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – One New Change *photo by Nigel Tadyanehondo, Unsplash

Walk Along Regent’s Canal

Regent’s Canal stretches from one end of London to the other. Walk along this beautiful hidden gem to escape the busyness of the city. Slip away from the noise. Stroll past fun locations such as Little Venice and Camden Market. Sit and people watch as joggers and walkers go by. Or enjoy a boat ride.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Regents Canal — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – walk along Regent’s Canal *photo by Daniil Korbut, Unsplash

Dine at Leadenhall Market

This covered market on Gracechurch Street dates back to the 14th century. Leadenhall sells fresh foods, flowers and many other wares.

A variety of shops occupy the impressive structure. Find a treasure or eat lunch here, where filming took place for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Due to its cobblestone floors and gorgeous, ornate ceilings, Leadenhall Market provided the backdrop for scenes near The Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley in the film.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Leadenhall Market — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – Leadenhall Market *photo by Kayla Koss, Unsplash

Explore The Hill Garden and Pergola

This is a fairytale place, built in the early 1900s, with views over nearby Hampstead Heath. Wander along the gorgeous terrace and enjoy the old Georgian arbor. There’s a faded beauty to this hidden treasure, with its overgrown plants and exotic flowers. Some even find Hill Garden and Pergola mysterious and a bit eerie, with its grandeur from the past. See how the energy there feels to you!

Non Touristy Things to Do in London The Hill Garden — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – The Garden Hill and Pergola *photo by Evgeny Klimenchenko, Unslash

Take a Dip at Hampstead Heath Park and Ponds

After The Hill Garden and Pergola, stop by Hampstead Health, with its park and bathing ponds. High up on a sandy ridge, the park provides a magical place to picnic while enjoying stunning views of London. Walk through the surrounding natural wonderland.

And if you feel like a dip, indulge in one of three ponds. There are three murky ponds to choose from: one for women, one for men and one for both. The park and ponds are favorites of local Londoners. Join them for a unique, authentic experience.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Hampstead Heath — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – Hampstead Heath *photo by Amadeusz Misiak, Unsplash

Paddleboat at Battersea Park

Located in the borough of Wandsworth, 200 acre Battersea Park sits on the south side of the Thames River. This 150 year old park contains hidden gems such as a temple, an art gallery, a circular road perfect for walking or biking, a pagoda, fountains, beautiful trees and a picturesque lake. It’s the perfect place to unwind for a few hours. You can even ride on a swan paddleboat in the lake.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Battersea Park — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – Battersea Park *photo by Ziqian Chai, Unsplash

Wander Through the Sherlock Holmes Museum

If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, visit this museum. The fictitious sleuth is so connected to London that the city made the address 221B Baker Street real. The building there duplicates Sherlock’s home with small artifact filled rooms and a narrow set of stairs.

The ground floor contains a lobby and gift shop. On the second floor is the room where Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes spent many hours together, solving crimes. And on the top floor are rooms that display crime scenes.

Check out the museum’s website for more info.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Sherlock Holmes Museum — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – Sherlock Holmes Museum

Watch the Deer at Richmond Park

Richmond Park is a Royal Park and home to protected deer. There are acres of park to wander in, through grasslands and gardens and near waterways. Bring a picnic lunch or simply relax in nature. And while there, note the view of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. That unobstructed view is protected by law!

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Richmond Park — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – Richmond Park *photo by Edson Rosas, Unsplash

Creep Along in Highgate Cemetery

While cemeteries may not be a typical place to visit, many contain fascinating architecture and nature paths to explore.

Highgate Cemetery in North London originally opened in 1839. The city needed more space to bury its dead. Due to its Victorian gothic architecture and elevated position overlooking the city, the cemetery became a desirable resting place for the wealthy upper class. After WWI, the cemetery fell into disrepair. The area became known for ghost stories and mysteries.

Today a group of charities oversee the upkeep of Highgate. It’s still atmospheric, if somewhat less creepy. Author Douglas Adams is buried here, along with Karl Marx. It’s a wonderful place to explore architectural features and narrow, overgrown paths through graves.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London Highgate Cemetery — Non Touristy Things to Do in London – Highgate Cemetery

Favorite Non Touristy Spot in London

Did you find a new place to explore in London? Which place would you visit first?

I look forward to another trip to London. I’ve seen many of the major tourist attractions. I look forward to getting to know the city at a deeper level by exploring more of her hidden treasures.

Click on the photo below to order a map of London’s streets and boroughs.

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August 6, 2021

Ten Curiosities About London’s Tower Bridge

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This London structure is so well known and iconic that it’s often used as the symbol for the city. The strikingly beautiful bridge demands attention as it spans the River Thames. And this one does NOT have a song written about it.

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most famous landmarks. And yet, how much do you know about it?

Check out these ten curiosities about London’s Tower Bridge, and find out!

Tower Bridge Stats

Before sharing the curious facts about Tower Bridge, let’s look at the amazing stats.

It took 432 construction workers eight years to build Tower Bridge. Due to London’s growing population, Tower Bridge was constructed to make it easier for people to cross the Thames. Construction began on June 21, 1886 and finished on June 30, 1894.

The bridge contains more than 11,000 tons of steel. The foundation needed 70,000 tons of concrete to adequately support the bridge. And the structure contains more than 31 million bricks and 2 million rivets.

At the time of construction, the cost was a staggering 1.84 million pounds. Today the cost equivalent equals 152 million pounds.

Now check out the curiosities.

Not That Bridge with a Song

Tower Bridge is frequently mistaken for London Bridge. That more plain bridge is located further upriver. Because Tower Bridge is so eye catching, it’s understandable that people think it’s London Bridge. I actually made that mistake myself, labeling Tower Bridge photos incorrectly when I returned home from my trip.

London Bridge dates back to 1176. The site has supported a succession of bridges, with the latest one completed in 1971. Read more about this structure HERE.

Ten Curiosities About London's Tower Bridge other one — Ten Curiosities About London’s Tower Bridge – it’s not the one with a song. This plain structure is London Bridge.

Design Competition

In 1876, the City of London held a competition for the design of the new bridge. Although architects submitted more than 50 designs, none were selected.

Finally, seven years later in 1884, architect Sir Horace Jones and civil engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry submitted a winning design. Sir Horace is also the architect behind some of London’s most beautiful buildings including Leadenhall Market, Smithfield Market and Billingsgate Market.

Sadly, Sir Horace died before his bridge was completed.

What are Bascules?

Tower Bridge is a levered bridge, meaning it opens up to allow for the passage of ships navigating down the river.

The two levered sections are called bascules, a French word meaning “see saw”. The 1,100 ton bascules, located in the center of the bridge, raise up to a 83 degree angle. It takes approximately five minutes for them to raise completely.

There’s a huge cavern beneath the bridge containing counterweights that operate the bridge. This unique space is sometimes used to host concerts, due to the incredible acoustics.

The bascules used to operate using coal burning steam engines. Currently a combination of oil and electricity power the levers.

Ten Curiosities About London's Tower Bridge bascules — Ten Curiosities About London’s Tower Bridge – bascules *Canva photo

Where Did the Name Come From?

Since London already had a namesake bridge, this structure needed a different name.

The Tower Bridge name comes from its proximity to the Tower of London, located just across the river. Although the bridge isn’t as old as it’s made to look, it does intentionally match the architecture of the famous, and much older, Tower of London.

Color Changes

The original Tower Bridge featured a drab brown exterior.

In 1977 the colors changed to red, white and blue to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee. Since then the bridge has undergone another major facelift. Between 2008 and 2016 the bridge was painted the current colors of bright blue and white.

The bridge gets a facelift every 25 years.

Ten Curiosities About London's Tower Bridge — Ten Curiosities About London’s Tower Bridge – color changes

Prostitutes and Pickpockets

Originally, the bridge’s two high level walkways allowed pedestrians to cross when the bascules were open. However, people had to climb flights of stairs to use the walkways and then climb back down stairs in the opposite tower. Most preferred to simply wait for the ship to pass through.

The walkways fell into disrepair and became a sort of red light district in London. Ladies of the night and pickpockets gathered on the walkways, looking for business. The walkways closed in 1910, reopening later as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Glass Walkway

In 2014, the Tower Bridge Exhibition launched the Glass Walkway. The west high level walkway now features a glass bottom, where visitors can admire the bridge from a unique angle and watch pedestrians and ships passing below.

Special events, such as doggie days and even yoga classes, are held on the glass walkway. Yoga classes take place at sunrise, 42 meters above the River Thames.

Wedding Destination

You can also book the walkways for your special wedding…if you are willing to pay the hefty price. Tables are set up along the glass walkway, for a one of a kind reception after saying “I do”. The Tower Bridge Victorian engine rooms are also available for special receptions and events. Imagine the gorgeous photos!

Ten Curiosities About London's Tower Bridge night — Ten Curiosities About London’s Tower Bridge – imagine an evening wedding on the walkways! *Canva photo

Daring Feats

Tower Bridge has experienced some exciting moments.

In 1912 a pilot named Frank McClean flew his short biplane between the bascules and the walkways, during an emergency. He made it through without damaging the bridge or his airplane.

And Thomas Hans Orde-Lees jumped off the bridge in 1917, safely parachuting into the River Thames. He wanted to show the benefits of RAF pilots using parachutes. His stunt is considered the momentum for the founding of the Royal Parachute Regiment. Apparently there’s even a film of the stunt.

Most outrageous of all, a London double decker bus began crossing the bridge in 1952 as it suddenly started opening to allow a ship to pass through. Driver Albert Gunter stayed calm, pressed the pedal to the floor and jumped the widening gap. He made it safely.

Albert received a day off for his quick thinking and 10 pounds.

Right of Way

More than 40,000 people use the Tower Bridge every day, crossing on foot and in cars. However, ships on the river always have right of way. Ship captains must give the bridge 24 hours notice of their approach. And then everyone, no matter who they are, must wait for the bridge bascules to raise, the ship to pass through, and the bascules to lower again.

The bascules raise twice a day, on average, for the passage of ships. It’s considered lucky to see the levers rise.

You might catch the bascules raising on this London webcam.

Ten Curiosities About London's Tower Bridge 40000 — Ten Curiosities About London’s Tower Bridge – 40000 people use the bridge in a day

Experience the Bridge

It’s free to walk across Tower Bridge. If you want to explore the towers or snap photos from the glass walkway, there is a fee for that. Within the towers are interactive history exhibits. The admission fee includes a visit to the Victorian engine rooms as well.

Or you can admire the structure from several vantage points along the River Thames. We took photos from the nearby Tower of London. The bridge is definitely a gorgeous sight. I want to explore it further, on my next visit.

Did you learn anything new about Tower Bridge? What curiosity surprised you the most?

Ten Curiosities About London's Tower Bridge group shot — Our group shot with Tower Bridge in the background.

Tower Bridge Finds from Amazon:

September 20, 2017

London Town

I am concluding my travel blogging with additional pics from our three days in London…and some personal thoughts on traveling.

London was a surprise to me. Or perhaps, more accurately stated, my response to being in London was a surprise. The energy of this big, busy, ever shifting city was amazing to me. I loved the historical elements, and seeing well known landmarks like Big Ben and the London Tower. Our guided tours were fun and informative.

However, it was the people…the many, many people gathered here from countries around the world…that captivated me. The combined energy of so many souls, with their stories and their unfolding lives, surrounded me and impacted me deeply. I enjoy people watching anyway. Here, in a city of 8.8 million plus, the throngs of people were fascinating rather than overwhelming.

And yet, sadly, I tend to crop people out of my photos. I wish now that I had taken more pics of people walking and playing and laughing and sharing. I’ve come home with a determination to get more candid photos, on my next trip!

Here are additional shots around London:

Although our London hotel was housed in an older building, it was quite nice inside. This pic of our hotel captures my traveling companions in the foreground. I am grateful that my mom, sisters and niece traveled with me. It was a wonderful, shared adventure that I will never forget! And trust me, there were a few things I might want to forget…such as the escalator incident, in which my mom and I both fell down and tangled with each other and the luggage…and the day I forgot to lock the bathroom door during my shower and had not one but four interruptions…however, overall, this was a dream come true trip with my family.

My favorite shot of Big Ben.

This pic, at least, has some people in it! Taken in front of Buckingham Palace.

Statues in front of Buckingham.

Queen Victoria.

Inside London Tower.

The White Tower inside the Tower complex.

Tower Bridge.

Harry Potter fans will recognize this site, located inside the King’s Cross Station. There is a Harry Potter shop located next to this photo op place. Long lines kept us from having our photos taken.

I’ve had several people tell me this past week that I was so lucky that I got to travel to Italy, Ireland, Scotland and England this year. I understand what they are really saying. What they are expressing is their own desire to travel. And I get that! I have wanted to visit Scotland since I was a wee girl.

Luck had nothing to do with my travels this year though. They were intentional desires, released to the Divine. I dreamed. I planned. I saved. I read and researched and included my intended destinations on my vision boards. And then I opened my heart and lived life, with excitement, anticipation and curiosity.

And the Divine met me in those desires to travel, and explore, and see the world. Opportunities came. The funding arrived, exactly on time. I traveled. Family members got to travel with me. This is how life works for me. It’s a dance, and an interaction…it’s creative play, and going with the flow, and it’s accepting Divine invitations.

Travel is something I want to continue doing. So the intentions are still flowing. The desire to explore is out there, resting with the Divine, and my heart remains open to delicious possibilities.

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.” Hans Christian Andersen

I am looking forward to my next adventure, which will be next summer, most likely. However, I am open to everything, attached to nothing. When the invitation to travel comes, I’ll pack my carry on and go!

Several of my photos inadvertently caught an airplane flying overhead. I didn’t consider that a mistake. It is very symbolic of my desire to travel and experience new places. My favorite photo, posted below, captured a jet high in the sky, with a double rainbow nearby. The rainbow…a symbol of hope and promise.

Yes. I’ll accept that as my own personal message, my invitation…do you want to explore, do you want to play, do you want to travel? I do! My carry on became a casualty to the escalator incident. I am ordering a new one, a sturdier one. And I will be ready to go!

September 11, 2017

Traveling Home

Today has been a long travel day as our international girls’ trip concludes. We are at the departure gate in the Minneapolis airport, waiting to board the plane to Tulsa for the final leg of our journey.

What an incredible trip it has been. I’ll be sharing some additional highlights this week. This evening we are travel weary and already feeling the effects of jet lag as our bodies think it is midnight. How amazing when I recall that I started the day in London England this morning, riding the Tube one last time, to Heathrow Airport.

We enjoyed using the Underground to get around London. It is an easy, fast and economical way to travel in that huge city. I had a minor mishap during my last ride on the Tube, getting thrown about a bit and taking a sharp blow to my ribs. My fault, though. I wasn’t holding on when the train started. It was still a great way to get from place to place in London.

See a very short video HERE of the Tube arriving in the station. Mind the gap, they love to say, meaning watch out for the gap between the platform and the car as you board. Perhaps they should also call out, Hold on!

Although I am tired, and my ribs on the right side ache, I am sad to see this trip end. It is committed to memory now. But what precious memories they are. I’m grateful my mom was able to go with us. She did remarkably well with all the walking that we did. I’m thankful my sisters were able to travel as well. And what would we have done without my niece’s navigating skills? We might be lost in the Underground somewhere!

Mom says this is probably her last big trip. But who knows? We are discussing possible destinations for another trip together…a week back in Scotland, or in Venice, or perhaps a cruise. The world truly is full of adventures that beckon.

Travel impacts me greatly. It broadens my perspectives, my heart and my soul. I saw a Delta commercial before an inflight movie this afternoon, with a line that resonated with me.

The ones who truly change the world, are those who can’t wait to get out in it.

I can’t wait for another adventure!

September 10, 2017September 10, 2017

The Tower of London

On our last full day in London, we had one place we all wanted to tour…the Tower of London. We jumped on and off the Underground to arrive at this well known landmark just before it opened. The plan was to tour the Tower and then finish the day with a hop on/hop off bus tour.

My first surprise was that lots of other people arrived early and the line to purchase tickets was already long. No problem. Although it felt like the line barely moved, 40 minutes later we had tickets.

The real surprise, however, was the Tower itself. Somehow, my education about what the tower actually is, was lacking.

Being an avid reader and movie watcher with an interest in British lit and history, I thought I knew the Tower of London well. However, when I caught my first glimpse of the Tower, I realized my perceptions were skewed.

I expected the Tower to look like this:

Instead, the Tower looks like this!

The Tower isn’t a singular tower…it’s multiple towers, it’s a fortress, it’s a complex! How did I not know this? We spent several hours exploring this fascinating place, rich in history.

Here are the highlights:

My first look at the Tower of London, which was a big surprise, in the early morning sunlight.

William the Conqueror built the White Tower that is now in the center of the complex, in 1078. That tower was considered a symbol of oppression against London by the Norman ruler, and it was used as a prison from 1100 until 1952. However, that was not the primary purpose of the complex. It was a royal residence, a grand palace, early in its history.

I had a lot to learn about the Tower, it seemed, beginning with discovering that the official name of this castle is Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. No wonder the name has been shortened to simply, the Tower of London.

Set up as a community within thick castle walls, there are streets with buildings and living quarters and battlements that circle the fortress, linking multiple towers together. This brick building is the mint shop, where coins were minted.

Inside the fortress. This is a fortified castle.

We climbed up into the battlements, and visited the Medieval Palace first. These rooms were built by and used by King Henry III and King Edward between 1216 and 1307.

The Tower Bridge, as seen from the battlements.

The Raven’s Lodgings and two of the seven ravens who reside within the tower grounds. Legend says that as long as six ravens live at the tower, it will not fall. The ravens are well cared for and quite friendly.

The White Tower.

Part of the original ruins.

Guards are stationed around the grounds. This one was outside the building housing the Crown Jewels.

Some of the people who work in the Tower complex live within it as well.

Inside the Bloody Tower, so named after the young sons of King Edward V were sent to the tower by their uncle, after their father died. The princes were never seen again. Two hundred years after their disappearance, skeletal remains of two children were found beneath a staircase. They are thought to be the young princes, murdered by their ambitious uncle, who then became king.

The Traitor’s Gate, off of the Thames River, through which prisoners could enter by ship.

We enjoyed the many exhibits, buildings and towers within the castle, walking the battlements first, and then exploring from the ground.

I learned about the history of London’s monarchy and the many people who spent time as prisoners in the tower or who were executed there. I discovered Royal Beasts were kept on site until the London zoo opened in 1828.

The only area we didn’t get to see was the Torture Exhibit, which was closed for maintenance. Overall, this tour was a delightful surprise that we all enjoyed.

Because of the time we spent at the Tower of London, we chose not to do the hop on/hop off bus. With stops at King’s Crossing Station, and the Harry Potter store there, and Piccadilly Square, by way of the Underground, we felt we had seen all we hoped to in London.

It is packing time. Tomorrow we fly out of London, homeward bound. What an amazing trip with my mom, sisters and niece. We will be discussing this adventure for months to come. I am so grateful for this trip and for the trip to Italy with my grandson and daughter earlier in the year. Traveling is rapidly becoming a passion for me.

Where will I wander next?

September 9, 2017

Exploring London

What fun we had today, exploring the busy, high energy city of London. There was never a moment when we weren’t surrounded by people. Whether they were crowded with us on the underground tube, touring the London Dungeon alongside us, or milling about at Buckingham Palace, we had companions, curious travelers all of us.

The highlight of our morning was the London Dungeon Tour. This high quality experience, a cross between a walking tour and an amusement park ride, offers performers in period costumes portraying characters from London’s murky past. We saw executioners and Sweeney Todd’s lady friend, Mrs Lovett, a physician’s assistant during the bubonic plague and Mary Jane Kelly, Jack the Ripper’s final victim. The tour was a fascinating and well done look at the dark underside of London.

While photographs were not allowed, we had three pics taken during the tour that we purchased at the end, primarily because of my good natured mom’s hysterical expressions! The final ride features an unexpected element of surprise, and they snap a pic to capture the moment. We have giggled all evening, over the look on Mom’s face.

Mom-I’m supposed to be doing what?? Ashley is ready, though, to take off a head!

The London fire. Mom looks like she’s thinking Fire? What fire? And Debbie’s smile makes me think she started it!

What can I say?! Mom’s precious face…

After the dungeons, it was good to walk in the sunshine and fresh air, grateful for life!

Here are highlights of our wanderings:

The London Eye, on the Thames River.

Big Ben, undergoing repairs.

Buckingham Palace-the queen is not in residence currently. The palace is beautiful. There were a couple of uniformed guards on duty in their characteristic red coats and tall black hats.

Group photo in front of the palace gates.

The Lion and the Unicorn.

A piper on Westminster Bridge.

Exploring London today, I wore a t shirt from Solgave Clothing that felt very appropriate. Across the front of the shirt it proclaims, in bold letters, LOOK FOR THE HELPERS. In light of recent terrorist attacks in this city of 8.8 million people, I was very aware of the need for people who help, for souls who see beyond race and color and nationality and gender and age.

Walking across the bridge where an attack killed 5 people in March of this year, I didn’t feel fear. I felt compassion and a strong surge of desire for humanity to heal its rifts and open its collective heart. Tears came to my eyes as I watched the throngs of people walking along both sides of the bridge, as a lone piper played the bagpipes. The world was represented there, among those journeyers, from countries around the globe. They spoke many languages, dressed in a wide variety of clothes, had beautiful complexions in endless hues, and smiled when I made eye contact. I loved each person.

I was affected by those words on my shirt. I became more aware of being a helper. When we left the hotel, we almost immediately walked past a man begging on the street. He sat on the sidewalk, quietly asking for help as we walked by. I am never quite sure what to do for the multitude of homeless and destitute who beg for money. I’ve given cash…and I’ve looked the other way.

I had walked 20 or 30 steps past this man, when I looked down at my shirt. LOOK FOR THE HELPERS. How could I walk on by, wearing such a statement? Was it simply a sentiment on a shirt…or a belief to live by?

I went back, and gave him the cash in my pocket. Looking for the helpers meant looking within today, and then offering hope and love and a spirit of kinship.

Exploring London became a deeper exploration of my own heart.

September 8, 2017

London Sights

Today our little band of traveling companions arrived in London, England by way of a train. This truly has been a planes, train and automobile kind of trip, with traveling by bus and on foot thrown into the mix as well. I have never been to London, except for a layover in Heathrow Airport last May, en route to Rome. I have been excited to see beyond the airport!

We pre-booked a Jack the Ripper Tour, aboard one of London’s iconic red double decker buses, that started at 7:00 this evening. What we didn’t realize was that in the process of driving to our starting point for the tour, we would get sneak peeks at some of this sprawling city’s most famous landmarks.

Sitting up top on the double decker tour bus.

Our phenomenal tour guide, Alan.

Westminster Abbey with a rainbow arcing behind it.

Big Ben, in the process of being repaired. It’s not really leaning. The camera angle makes it appear so.

The London Eye

The tour became a walking tour, once we reached Old London.

The overcast night and the narrow alleyways lent an eerie quality to a tour that focused on London’s most notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper.

Some parts of Old London have not changed much since the time of Jack the Ripper.

Although not connected to Jack the Ripper, we visited this memorial to Scottish hero William Wallace, who was executed in London near this spot.

The final stop on the tour…a pub that honors the famous literary detective, Sherlock Holmes.

This was a fun night. Not only did we see well known London sights, we also heard brief histories and interesting stories around them. A tour is only as good as the guide who leads it, and we had an excellent tour guide. He knew his history, of course. But what delighted our group was his sense of humor.

Jack the Ripper was a historical figure who committed heinous crimes against prostitutes in 1888. Although there has been much speculation about the identity of the killer, the crime has never been solved. And while the crimes were gruesome, Alan presented the facts without trying to shock or disturb us. I felt compassion for the women who died and appreciation for the way in which the tour was handled.

The absolute best part of the Jack the Ripper Tour was walking through Old London, in the company of my family, other interested people and a charming and knowledgeable Englishman, and imagining what it looked like back then. I’d highly recommend the tour.

We have decided to sleep in a bit later in the morning, as we have had many late nights and very early mornings. Then we have two full days remaining to explore London. I’m excited to see what we discover!

August 2, 2017August 2, 2017

The Art of Rock Painting

Rock painting is a thing. Walking in the park, shopping at the mall, strolling down Main Street I can glance down and find a painted rock tucked into a corner or peeking out from beneath a flowering plant. This growing trend of painting, hiding and finding rocks, has swept across the US. Chapters have formed in many cities, including Joplin.

The concept is simple. Paint a rock. You can create a design, an elaborate picture, write out an inspiring quote or go with an abstract painting. On the back of the rock, you write the name of your city's rock painting club, which has a page on Facebook. Joplin Area Rocks is the local chapter. Add the Facebook symbol. And then hide your painted rocks. The rocks are supposed to be easily spotted. Imagine a four year old hunting for these treasures. When you find a painted rock, you hide it again, in a new location, after admiring the artwork.

A rock I found last week at Mercy Park.

Today I spent time with three of my grandchildren…Joey, Oliver and Aubrey…and my great niece London. On our agenda was a first for all of us. We had a pile of river rocks, large flat pieces of shale, tempera paints in vivid colors and an assortment of artists brushes. We created our first painted rocks.

I put tarps down in the garage (thanks Papa Greg) and set up art supplies. The kids selected rocks, squeezed out paint on makeshift artists' palettes, and grabbed a brush. I managed to paint a simple heart on one small rock. I was busy the rest of the time snapping pics, handing out damp paper towels and chasing Carl the dog away from the paint.

I love these kids. They are so willing to try new things and enter into fun adventures. I allowed them complete freedom to paint their rocks as they wished. They all chose different designs and colors and methods of expression.

The kids created works of art. I set the rocks aside to dry while the artists changed into swimsuits and escaped the heat of the day by jumping into the pool. I was proud of them for their enthusiasm and their creativity.

The higher humidity today prevented the paint from drying quickly. We decided not to rush the process. We will hide the rocks on a different day. And while we are hiding painted rocks we will look for those hidden by others before us.

Rock painting is a thing. It is a fun thing!

July 12, 2017July 13, 2017

Girls’ Movie Night

I’m posting briefly this evening, and late, because I am at a party…a grandmothers and granddaughters sleepover! The night kicked off with Aubrey and I meeting my sister Linda and her granddaughters, London and Aralyn, for dinner at the mall food court.

After Chick Fil A meals, we settled in with the girls at the nearby theater for a showing of Despicable Me 3.

This third installment in the Despicable Me franchise stars Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Nev Scharrel. The animated adventure film was directed by Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin and Eric Guillon, and has a run time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Despicable Me 3 carries a PG rating, for action sequences and some rude humor.

Gru (Carell) is back in this humorous adventure, now a devoted family man with a crime fighting wife Lucy (Wiig), and adopted daughters Margo (Cosgrove), Edith (Gaier) and Agnes (Scharrel). While adjusting to marriage and parenthood, Gru and Lucy suddenly lose their secret agent jobs.

As they consider career options, Gru receives a surprising summons from an unexpected source. Gru learns that he has a twin brother Dru (Carell), and that the boys were separated as infants when their parents divorced.

Dru is a mirror twin to his long lost brother, with opposing characteristics. He is cheerful, optimistic, emotionally expressive…and he has a full head of hair! Not all is at it seems, however. Gru discovers the family secret, and he and his brother set off on a wild escapade against an evil foe named Balthazar (Parker), who is definitely stuck in the past!

We all enjoyed this charming and hilarious film, featuring familiar characters, a new villain and those oh so lovable yellow minions. Since this was a girls’ night out, I asked everyone what they enjoyed most about Despicable Me 3.

London (age 7): I liked the part where Gru and Dru stole the diamond from Balthazar.

Aubrey (age 8): The whole movie was fun…and I liked the last diamond scene too.

Aralyn (age 3): I liked the big robot who said, “I’ve been a bad boy!”

Gigi (Linda): I liked when Gru lost his clothes and ended up wearing pink bubble gum and he floated by the birthday party where everyone was singing.

Yaya (Cindy): I enjoyed the family relationships as stronger connections were formed…Gru and Lucy as a couple, Lucy learning to be a mom to the girls, and especially Dru and Gru as they forged a brotherly bond.

As fun as Despicable Me 3 was, that was just the beginning of our girls’ night. Snacks were secured and pjs donned. Gigi and Aralyn have gone to bed. As I write, Aubrey and London are curled up on an inflatable mattress in the living room, whispering together and watching a DVD. A Dog’s Purpose has just started. I’ll watch the movie with them. Mostly though, I’ll enjoy watching these two cousins interact with each other as they discuss the movie, giggle and chat.

It is definitely a girls’ movie night!

May 25, 2017May 25, 2017

Red Nose Day 2017

When Elissa, Dayan and I decided to pack our red noses, in honor of Red Nose Day this year, we thought we would be taking selfies of the experience in Rome. After storms yesterday diverted our plane and then greatly delayed our arrival in Charlotte, our travel itinerary changed. We missed our international flight from Charlotte to Rome. Thousands of other fliers missed their connecting flights as well.

It was not a happy place last night at the Charlotte Airport as weary travelers struggled to find flights out.

Through an incredible series of miraculous events, which I will write about when I am not so exhausted, we were placed on the “sold out” last flight out of Charlotte, bound for London. They even delayed the plane until we were onboard. Numb with fatigue but grateful, we arrived in London late this morning. This evening we will catch a connecting flight from London to Rome, arriving at last!

And London happens to be the perfect place to take a Red Nose Day selfie, and wear our wrist bands. We popped on the noses just long enough to take a pic. It is really the donation made to purchase the red noses that is important.

Because Red Nose Day isn’t just about sporting a clown nose. Begun in England in 1988, Red Nose Day raises funds to help impoverished children around the world. The US joined the yearly event in 2015. Billions of dollars have been raised to date, to keep kids safe, healthy and educated.

Celebrities and the entertainment industry have supported Red Nose Day for years, using their influence to bring in donations. We certainly aren’t famous, me, my daughter and grandson…however, we believe in this cause, and improving the lives of children globally.

In a couple of hours we will board a plane for Italy. The tour officially starts in the morning. I am grateful we have made it this far, and we will arrive only a bit behind schedule. I am grateful to wear a red nose once a year too, to donate funds and raise awareness about a worthy cause.

My next blog post will be from Rome…minus the bright red nose!